These muffins are delicious, easy to make and great for you. Enjoy them hot out of the oven and keep extra for lunchtime snacks for the kids (or you) during the week. Pumpkin is loaded with an important antioxidant, beta-carotene. Current studies link diets rich in foods with beta-carotene to reducing the risk of certain types of cancer and protection against heart disease. Chia seeds can be found at most health food stores.

1 tablespoon chia seeds , ground (use a coffee or spice grinder)

1 cup whole wheat or whole grain flour

1/2 cup white unbleached flour

2 teaspoons cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

2 teaspoons baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 can (16 ounces) organic pumpkin (make sure there is only pumpkin listed on the ingredient list)

2 eggs

1/4 cup high-quality extra-virgin olive oil

1 cup pure maple syrup or 1/2 cup agave nectar or a combination of the two

1 tablespoon vanilla

1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans , optional

Salt and pepper to taste

Pre-heat oven to 350°. Mix dry ingredients together in a bowl. In a separate bowl, mix all wet ingredients. Fold the wet ingredients (fold in nuts now if you are using them) into the dry ingredients and spoon into paper-lined muffin or greased muffin tins. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the middle of a muffin comes out clean. Store completely cooled muffins in sealable plastic bags in the freezer.

© 2012 Inspired Living, LLC

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